Tool-Less Spring Attachment to C-Channel and Method of Using Same

ABSTRACT

A method and device for attaching and detaching material to a c-channel groove, including attachment and detachment between first and second objects already attached to the groove. The device comprises a coil-shaped element that is resiliently compressible and connected to a desired material. Through biasing, the coil-shaped element is navigable into an aperture of the c-channel groove at a point along the c-channel groove between the ends of the c-channel groove and positionable such that at least a portion of the biased coil-shaped element is in the c-channel groove. Upon restoring the biased coil-shaped element toward a second, larger dimension, it is secured in the c-channel groove and the material connected to the coil-shaped element is attached to the c-channel groove, including between the first object and the second object, if present.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/425,441, filed on Feb. 6, 2017, entitledTool-Less Spring Attachment to C-Channel and Method of Using Same, andfurther claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application Serial No. 62/294,119, filed on Feb. 11, 2016and titled “Attachment Mechanisms For Extrusions And C-Channel Grooves,”which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in theirrespective entireties herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to attachment systems andmethods, and more particularly, spring-like systems and methods toattach and detach materials onto a c-channel groove without any tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solar panels are a green alternative to generating electric power. Largescale power generation can include arrays of solar panels located inoutdoor environments for conversion of solar energy into electricalenergy. However, solar panels located in outdoor environments areexposed to sand, dust, dirt and other debris that can collect on thesurfaces of the solar panels and reduce the ability of the panels toabsorb light and convert it into electricity. This problem is magnifiedwhen panels are located in arid environments, such as deserts whichreceive high levels of solar radiation and few overcast days becausethese environments tend to have high levels of dust and wind leading tohigh deposition rates on the surface of the panels.

Robots or other cleaning vehicles can be used to assist in the cleaningof solar panels. For example, Saudi Aramco has developed a Robotic DustMitigation robot. Certain robots or cleaning vehicles utilize brusheswith c-channels that hold the brush flaps in place. A cleaning brush,for instance, can include any combination of cleaning components, suchas filaments, bristles, flaps of cloth-like material and the like, eachof which is attached to the extrusion at the channel grooves. Over timeand after extended use, the brush flaps must be replaced. Because of theshape of a c-channel, prior methods of replacing brush flaps requiredaccess to the ends of the brush core aluminum extension or c-channel sothat the brush flaps can be slid into place. Tools were necessary todisassemble the brush so that the brush flaps could be replaced, addingto the operating and maintenance cost of the robot or cleaning vehicle.This is the method used by NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions and describedin U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,918. Typically, the ends of the c-channel grooveshave caps or hubs that need to be removed. If the brush that is to bereplaced is in the middle of a series, all of the series elements needto be removed before the replacement piece can be added. Even after thebrushes are inserted into the c-channel, they can slide along thechannel unless sufficiently secured.

Materials are connected to c-channels in a variety of other industries,including the automotive industry. Car washes, for example, utilizec-channel brushes (e.g., FAVAGROSSA or SONNY'S THE CAR WASH FACTORY®).The brushes use a form of extruded material (often aluminum) withc-channels and an element that fits into the channel and supports eitherbrush filaments or a cloth-like material. Similar to the robots andcleaning vehicles discussed above, access to the ends of the c-channelgroove is necessary to replace the connected material for these brushes.Therefore, a tool-less solution to replacing materials in a c-channel isdesirable.

Post-assembly nuts or T-nuts sold by aluminum extrusion manufacturers(such as by MINSUMI, MINITEC®, and REXROTH BOSCH) can be used to mountmaterials onto aluminum extrusions without requiring access to the endsof the c-channel groove. Even though the end of the c-channel does notneed to be accessed, tools (e.g., screwdriver, screws) are stillrequired. These nuts are also not designed to hold cloth-like materials,such as those used in certain types of brushes.

The present invention addresses the limitations associated withattaching and detaching material to a c-channel by allowing for thematerial to be attached or detached at any point along the c-channel.Because the material does not need to be slid into the c-channel throughthe end of the channel, the need for tools is eliminated and replacementtime is minimized. The placement flexibility also allows for elements inthe middle of a series to be easily replaced. For large scale markets,this potentially allows for significant cost savings.

The present invention addresses these and other limitations associatedwith attaching and detaching materials onto c-channel grooves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a broad aspect of the invention, an innovative design for acoil-shaped element and method which allows for the attachment anddetachment of materials onto a c-channel groove without requiring anytools and without requiring access to the ends of the groove (i.e. theattachment and detachment can be done from anywhere along the groove) isprovided. The coil-shaped element can be used both in-line with thegroove as well as orthogonally. A twist, squeeze, or pull motion can beused to insert or remove the coil-shaped element from the c-channelgroove.

In accordance with the broad aspect of the invention, a flexibleattachment for attaching and detaching material to a c-channel groove ofthe type having an aperture of a first dimension is provided. Theattachment comprises a coil-shaped element with a second dimension thatis greater than the first dimension, and a material connected to thecoil-shaped element. The coil-shaped element is in a biased state suchthat it is navigable through the aperture of the c-channel groove at apoint along the c-channel groove and positionable such that at least aportion of the biased coil-shaped element is in the c-channel groove inresponse to applying a force to the coil-shaped element. The coil-shapedelement restores within the channel toward the second dimension so as tosecure itself within the c-channel groove.

In further aspects, the coil shaped element comprises a material that isresiliently compressible in response to the applied force.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the materialconnected to the coil-shaped element comprises sheets of cloth-likematerial supportable when the flexible attachment is attached to thec-channel groove to define a cleaning brush. In one arrangement, thecoil-shaped element and the material are connected in a threadedconnection. In one arrangement, the coil-shaped element includes acoating. In one arrangement, the material is disposable, at least inpart. Further arrangements combine disposable sheets of cloth-likematerial, threaded connections, and coatings in a single implementation,while other implementations can combine fewer than all of thesefeatures.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, reinforcement isprovided to prevent ripping of the coil-shaped element. In oneembodiment, the inner wall of the silicone foam material that ispunctured by the coil-shaped element is melted to reinforce it againstripping. As such, reinforced accessory can be provided which combinesthe coil-shaped element with a flexible element into a unified structuresuitable for mounting and dismounting at an arbitrary location along ac-channel groove.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, part of thecoil-shaped element is extended outside of the groove to serve as agrasp for imparting or otherwise applying a pulling force duringremoval. In a further embodiment, the coil-shaped element, any materialattached to it, or both, are disposable upon removal.

In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, oneembodiment comprises a method of installing a flexible attachment withina c-channel groove of the type having an aperture of a first dimension.The method comprises providing a resilient, coil-shaped element having asecond dimension that is greater than the first dimension, wherein thecoil-shaped element is in the second dimension when in a native,unbiased state; connecting a material to the coil-shaped element;applying a force to the coil-shaped element such that it is in a biasedstate that is less than or equal to the first dimension of the aperture;navigating the biased coil-shaped element through the aperture of thec-channel groove at a point along the c-channel groove; positioning thebiased coil-shaped element such that at least a portion of the biasedcoil-shaped element is in the c-channel groove; and restoring the biasedcoil-shaped element to its second dimension.

In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, anotherembodiment comprises a method of installing a flexible attachment withina c-channel groove of the type having an aperture of a first dimension,with this method comprising providing a resilient, coil-shaped elementhaving a second dimension that is greater than the third dimension,wherein the coil-shaped element is in the second dimension when in anative, unbiased state; connecting a material to the coil-shapedelement; applying a force to the coil-shaped element such that it is ina biased state that is less than or equal to the first dimension of theaperture; navigating the biased coil-shaped element through the apertureof the c-channel groove at a point along the c-channel groove;positioning the biased coil-shaped element such that at least a portionof the biased coil-shaped element is in the c-channel groove; andrestoring the biased coil-shaped element toward the second dimensionuntil it is frictionally seated against the interior groove of thec-channel.

Further aspects of the foregoing methods can be included in one or moreembodiments. Thus, the method can include the further step of coatingthe coil-shaped element prior to the connecting step. Alternatively orin addition, the method can include the further step of reinforcing thematerial before or after the connecting step to prevent ripping from thecoil-shaped element. Alternatively or in addition, the method caninclude the further step of sealing at least a portion of thecoil-shaped element and material, such as at an interface where thecoil-shaped element and material meet. Alternatively or in addition, themethod can include the further step of extending a portion of thecoil-shaped element outside of the aperture. Alternatively or inaddition, the method can include the further step of removing theflexible attachment from the c-channel groove by pulling on the portionof the coil-shaped element that is extended outside of the aperture.Alternatively or in addition, the step of connecting can connect thecoil-shaped element to the material by threading through the material.In still further embodiments, alternatively or in addition, the methodcan operate such that the force applied resiliently compresses thecoil-shaped element.

These and other aspects, features, and steps can be more completelyappreciated with reference to the accompanying drawing figures anddetailed description of certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the coil-shaped element threaded througha material in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the coil-shaped element according to onearrangement prior to insertion into the groove of a c-channel.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the coil-shaped element according to a furtherarrangement prior to insertion into the groove of a c-channel.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the biased coil-shaped element of FIG. 2Aprior to insertion into the groove of a c-channel.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the biased coil-shaped element of FIG. 2Bprior to insertion into the groove of a c-channel.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the coil-shaped element of FIG. 2A afterinsertion into the groove of a c-channel.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the coil-shaped element of FIG. 2B afterinsertion into the groove of a c-channel.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the coil-shaped element of FIG. 2A afterinsertion into the groove of a c-channel.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the coil-shaped element of FIG. 2B afterinsertion into the groove of a c-channel.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the coil-shaped element being removed from thegroove of a c-channel in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION CERTAIN OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to one or more embodiments, a coil-shaped element allows forthe attachment and detachment of material onto a c-channel groovewithout requiring any tools and without requiring access to the ends ofthe groove. Attachment and detachment can be done at any point along thegroove.

In one embodiment, the coil-shaped element 100 is connected to thematerial 104 that is to be attached or detached to the c-channel. Thecoil-shaped element can be made from a variety of materials that aresufficiently durable and resiliently compressible in response to anapplied force. In certain embodiments, the coil-shaped element is asteel spring or a plastic spring. In other embodiments, the coil-shapedelement has a coating or is made from a softer/flexible material toavoid having a sharp edge at each coil element along the pitch of thecoil.

In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, at least one relativelythin sheet of material 104 is connected to the coil-shaped element 100.In certain embodiments, material 104 consists of filaments, bristles, orflaps of foam or cloth-like material. Certain materials, such as flapsof foam or cloth-like material, may be used without any connectionadapters or adhesives because the coil-shaped element 100 can bedirectly threaded through the material 104. One type of connector oradapter may be an additional layer or extension of material that is sewnor otherwise attached to the material 104 that is to be connected. Thecoil-shaped element is then connected to the additional layer orextension. In one embodiment, the coil-shaped element is connected onlyto the additional layer or extension. Such a configuration may be usefulfor strings of or individual bristles or filaments that cannot beconnected directly to the coil-shaped element easily. In anotherembodiment, the coil-shaped element is connected to both the additionallayer or extension and the material 104 itself. In one embodiment, holes103 are punctured in the material 104 so that the coil-shaped element100 can be threaded through the material 104. In another embodiment, thecoil-shaped element 100 has a piercing tip with a compressive strengthselected to be sufficient to puncture a thin material withoutpermanently deforming its coiled shape, including the segment of thecoil-shaped element that is just proximal to the piercing tip. Thecoil-shaped element 100 can be threaded through the material by feedingend 102 through the holes 103 in the material 104. In anotherembodiment, an adhesive is used to attach the material 104 to thecoil-shaped element 100 so that the stress is distributed over a largerarea, rather than just at the contact points of the coil-shaped element100 and the material 104. As discussed in more detail below, a sealant106 can further be used to distribute stress over a larger area andreinforce the connection of the coil-shaped element 100 and material104. Other methods of connecting the coil-shaped element to the materialcan be used.

In other embodiments, the coil-shaped element is used to mount sensorsor to route cables along or within the grooves of equipment built usingaluminum extrusions, such as c-channels.

In another aspect of the invention, the coil-shaped element 100, 110 hasa native, unbiased shape, as shown in FIG. 2A and 2B. The interior ofthe c-channel groove 215 is formed by walls 210, 211, and 212. Itfurther has an interior dimension from wall 210 to 211, and an aperturewith a dimension that is less than the interior dimension from wall 210to 211. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2A, the coil-shapedelement 100 has a dimension that is the same size as or wider than theaperture 201 of the c-channel 200, but less than the width of theinterior of the c-channel groove (from wall 210 to 211). This enablesthe coil-shaped element 100 to be navigated through the aperture 201 andrest within the c-channel groove 215 without falling out of theaperture. Such a configuration may be used when the coil-shaped element100 is the same as or close to the length of the c-channel 200, suchthat the coil-shaped element 100 will not slide out of place. If thecoil-shaped element only covers parts of the c-channel groove, it isimportant to secure the coil-shaped element so that it does not slidealong the groove. Some uses of the coil-shaped element 100 and material104 may create a secure connection between the coil-shaped element 100and the groove 215. A spinning rotation of the c-channel, for example,may create a centrifugal force that holds the coil-shaped element 100and material 104 in place. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B,the coil-shaped element 110 has a dimension that is wider than both theaperture 201 and the interior of the c-channel groove (from wall 210 to211). This enables the coil-shaped element to be frictionally seatedagainst the inner walls 210, 211, 212 of the groove 215, which inhibitsor impedes release of the coil-shaped element from the channel andsliding therein. Inserting the coil-shaped element orthogonally can alsoimpede or prevent sliding.

A salient aspect of the invention is that the invention enablesattachment-to and detachment-from the c-channel groove without requiringtools and without needing to access the end of the c-channel. Therefore,the material 104, whatever it may be, or the sensors or cables and soon, need not be slid into the groove from the end of the c-channel.Having the ability to attach or detach the material from anywhere alongthe length of the groove is particularly advantageous in systems whereonly a portion of the c-channel may be accessible. Inserting thematerial along the length of the groove instead of at the end alsoeliminates the need for tools to be used to disassemble and reassemblethe system. The coil-shaped element can span the entire length of thec-channel groove or a portion of it such that the material 104 is onlysupported at certain places.

In use, a coil-shaped element is connected to the desired material 104,which can be achieved by threading or adhesive, among other means. Asdiscussed above, the dimension of the coil-shaped element in itsunbiased state is greater than the dimension of the aperture 201 of thec-channel groove. In some embodiments, a coating is applied to thecoil-shaped element prior to connection to avoid it having a sharp orrough edge. In other embodiments, as discussed in more detail below,reinforcement can be added to the material 104 before or after it isconnected to the coil-shaped element to prevent ripping. The coil-shapedelement is then attached or mounted to the c-channel groove by twisting(and thereby advancing into the channel) or squeezing the coil-shapedelement into a biased state. The application of another force can beused to get the coil-shaped element into a biased state, such as amanually applied force. The biased state results from resilientcompression of the coil-shaped element along its length, not bycompressing it end to end, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Enough forcemust be applied to bias the coil-shaped element to a dimension that isless than or equal to the dimension of the aperture 201. FIG. 3A showsbiased coil-shaped element 100′, which is biased to the point where itcan be navigated through the aperture 201 of the groove 215. The biasedcoil-shaped element 100′ is then positioned such that at least a portionof it is in the c-channel groove 215, as shown in FIG. 4A. The biasedcoil-shaped element 100′ can then be restored to its original dimension,which is less than the dimension of the interior of the c-channel groove215 but greater than the dimension of the aperture 201.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the biased coil-shapedelement 110′ must be biased to the point where it can be navigatedthrough the aperture 201 of the groove 215. That is, it must be biasedto a dimension that is less than or equal to the dimension of theaperture 201. The biased coil-shaped element 110′ is positioned suchthat at least a portion of it is in the c-channel groove 215. FIG. 4Bshows restored coil-shaped element 110″, resulting from the biasedcoil-shaped element 110′ of FIG. 3B being restored so that the restoredcoil-shaped element 110″ approaches the original dimension of thecoil-shaped element 110. The restored coil-shaped element 110″ is notfully restored to the original dimension of the coil-shaped element 110because the original dimension of the coil-shaped element 110 is largerthan both the aperture 201 and the interior of the c-channel groove 215.The biased coil-shaped element 110′ of FIG. 3B will expand until it isfrictionally seated against at least one of the interior walls 210, 211,212 of the c-channel groove 215, as shown by the restored coil-shapedelement 110″ of FIG. 4B. Accordingly, depending on the size of thec-channel groove 215 and the coil-shaped element 100, 110, thecoil-shaped element 100, 110 may expand to its original dimension orsome dimension less.

In other embodiments, at least the coil-shaped element and top portionof the material 104 that is connected to the coil-shaped element aresealed together. For instance, the sealant 106 can extend along an edgeor flap of the material 104, as shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment,if an additional layer is attached to the material 104, the sealant canextend along an edge or flap of that layer (not shown as such in FIG.1). Types of sealants may include silicone, acrylic resins, adhesive,epoxy, wax, polyurethane, or rubber. Methods of sealing may includedipping, painting or spraying, and each method can result in sealing atleast a portion of the coil-shaped element and material together,whether continuously along an edge or flap of the material 104, orotherwise. The sealant 106 serves as an extra reinforcing layer and aidsin distributing any stresses along a length of the material 104 oradditional layer, as the case may be, rather than just at the points ofcontact between the coil-shaped element and the material. This canfurther prevent or reduce ripping of the material at the points ofcontact with the coil-shaped element.

In some embodiments, when the material 104 is attached to the c-channel200 using the coil-shaped element as shown in FIG. 5A or 5B, a cleaningbrush is defined. The coil-shaped element can be attached to thec-channel groove 215 either in-line or orthogonally.

The coil-shaped element can be removed in a similar fashion to itsinsertion, where the coil-shaped element is biased so that it can benavigated out of the aperture 201 of the c-channel groove.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B show another aspect of the invention, wherein anend portion of the coil-shaped element 101, 111 is extended outside ofthe aperture 201. The end portion 101, 111 protrudes out of thec-channel groove so that it is easily accessible and functions similarto a tab pull or as a pulling point. In use, this can be achieved bypositioning end portion 101, 111 at an angle prior to insertion orbending end portion 101, 111 after insertion so that it extends out ofthe c-channel groove. FIG. 6 demonstrates that the end portion 101 canbe pulled out of the c-channel groove, thereby removing the coil-shapedelement 100 and the material 104 attached to it.

In other embodiments, the material 104 can be reinforced against rippingat the points where the coil-shaped element runs through the material104 or other weak points. When polymer materials are used, such asclosed-cell silicone foam sheets, the inner walls of the holes 103 canbe melted to prevent ripping. An alternative reinforcement can comprisea glue seam (not shown) along the union of the material 104 and thecoiled-shaped element 100.

Melting of the material after connection to the coil-shaped element canhave other advantages. When the material is threaded with thecoil-shaped element, micro-tears can occur. Melting of the material canaid in mending those tears and preventing further tearing or ripping ofthe material by the coil-shaped element.

Another aspect of the invention is to use means to secure the materialto the coil-shaped element to prevent sliding or rotation around thecoil-shaped element. One way to accomplish this is by melting thematerial onto the coil-shaped element. Another way to accomplish this isby gluing the material to the coil-shaped element at points of contactbetween the material and the coil-shaped element. Depending on thematerials used, glue can be applied at some of the points of contact toachieve a secured connection. For example, a spot of glue can be appliedat one or both ends of the coil-shaped element where it meets thematerial, or only where the spring enters the material. These and allsecuring methods described herein can be applied before, during or afterthe connection of the coil-shaped element to the material, whether bythreading or otherwise.

In another aspect of the invention, the coil-shaped element is used tofacilitate the replacement of worn out flaps on a brush with new ones.In such circumstances, the coil-shaped element and/or material can bedisposable so that it does not matter if they are damaged duringremoval. When the element is removed, the material can also be removed.

While the invention has been described in connection with a certainembodiment thereof, the invention is not limited to the describedembodiments but rather is more broadly defined by the recitations in theclaims below and equivalents thereof.

1. A flexible attachment for attaching and detaching material to ac-channel between a first object attached to the c-channel and a secondobject attached to the c-channel, the c-channel having a c-channelgroove of the type having an aperture of a first dimension along thelength of the c-channel groove between ends of the c-channel groovecomprising: a coil-shaped element with a second dimension that isgreater than the first dimension; and a material connected to thecoil-shaped element that is to be attached or detached to the c-channelgroove between the first object and the second object, whereby thematerial is attached to the c-channel groove when the coil-shapedelement is secured in the c-channel groove and the material is detachedfrom the c-channel groove when the coil-shaped element is removed fromthe c-channel groove; wherein upon applying a force to the coil-shapedelement, the coil-shaped element is in a biased and compressed statesuch that it is navigable into the aperture of the c-channel groove at apoint along the c-channel groove between the ends of the c-channelgroove and positionable such that at least a portion of the biasedcoil-shaped element is in the c-channel groove, wherein the first objectis attached to the c-channel groove on a first side of the point alongthe c-channel groove and the second object is attached to the c-channelgroove on a second side of the point along the c-channel groove; andwherein upon restoring the biased coil-shaped element toward the seconddimension, it is secured in the c-channel groove and the materialconnected to the coil-shaped element is attached to the c-channel groovebetween the first object and the second object.
 2. The flexibleattachment of claim 1, wherein the coil-shaped element comprises amaterial that is resiliently compressible in response to the appliedforce.
 3. The flexible attachment of claim 1, wherein the coil-shapedelement and the material are connected in a threaded connection.
 4. Theflexible attachment of claim 1, wherein the coil-shaped element furthercomprises a coating.
 5. The flexible attachment of claim 1, wherein thecoil-shaped element further comprises material that is disposable, atleast in part.
 6. The flexible attachment of claim 1, wherein thec-channel groove further comprises an interior groove with a thirddimension that is greater than the first dimension, and wherein thesecond dimension is greater than the third dimension.
 7. A method ofinstalling a flexible attachment within a c-channel between a firstobject attached to the c-channel and a second object attached to thec-channel, the c-channel having a c-channel groove of the type having anaperture of a first dimension along the length of the c-channel groovebetween ends of the c-channel groove, comprising: providing a resilient,coil-shaped element having a second dimension that is greater than thefirst dimension, wherein the coil-shaped element is in the seconddimension when in a native, unbiased state; connecting a material to thecoil-shaped element that is to be attached or detached to the c-channelgroove between the first object and the second object, whereby thematerial is attachable to the c-channel groove by securing of thecoil-shaped element in the c-channel groove and the material isdetachable from the c-channel groove by removal of the coil-shapedelement from the c-channel groove; applying a force to the coil-shapedelement such that it is in a biased and compressed state having adimension that is less than or equal to the first dimension of theaperture; navigating the biased coil-shaped element into the aperture ofthe c-channel groove at a point along the c-channel groove between theends of the c-channel groove, the first object being attached to thec-channel groove on a first side of the point along the c-channel grooveand the second object being attached to the c-channel groove on a secondside of the point along the c-channel groove; positioning the biasedcoil-shaped element such that at least a portion of the biasedcoil-shaped element is within the c-channel groove; and restoring thebiased coil-shaped element to its second dimension such that thecoil-shaped element is secured in the c-channel groove and the materialconnected to the coil-shaped element is attached to the c-channel groovebetween the first object and the second object.
 8. The method ofinstalling of claim 7, further comprising coating the coil-shapedelement prior to the connecting step.
 9. The method of installing ofclaim 7, further comprising reinforcing the material before or after theconnecting step to prevent ripping from the coil-shaped element.
 10. Themethod of installing of claim 7, wherein the force applied resilientlycompresses the coil-shaped element.
 11. The method of installing ofclaim 7, wherein the connecting step connects the coil-shaped element tothe material by threading through the material.
 12. The method ofinstalling of claim 7, further comprising extending a portion of thecoil-shaped element outside of the aperture.
 13. The method ofinstalling of claim 12, further comprising removing the flexibleattachment from the c-channel groove by pulling on the portion of thecoil-shaped element that is extended outside of the aperture.
 14. Themethod of installing of claim 7, wherein the material includes an edgeor flap, the method further comprising sealing at least a portion of thecoil-shaped element and material together with a sealant along the edgeor flap of the material.
 15. A method of installing a flexibleattachment within a c-channel groove of the type having an aperture of afirst dimension along the length of the c-channel groove between ends ofthe c-channel groove and an interior of a third dimension that isgreater than the first dimension, comprising: providing a resilient,coil-shaped element having a second dimension that is greater than thethird dimension, wherein the coil-shaped element is in the seconddimension when in a native, unbiased state; connecting a material to thecoil-shaped element that is to be attached or detached to the c-channelgroove whereby the material is attachable to the c-channel groove bysecuring of the coil-shaped element in the c-channel groove and thematerial is detachable from the c-channel groove by removal of thecoil-shaped element from the c-channel groove; applying a force to thecoil-shaped element such that it is in a biased and compressed statehaving a dimension that is less than or equal to the first dimension ofthe aperture; navigating the biased coil-shaped element into theaperture of the c-channel groove at a point along the c-channel groovebetween the ends of the c-channel groove; positioning the biasedcoil-shaped element such that at least a portion of the biasedcoil-shaped element is within the c-channel groove; and restoring thebiased coil-shaped element toward the second dimension so that therestored coil-shaped element expands to the third dimension and isfrictionally seated against the interior of the c-channel groove, therestored coil-shaped element being prevented from expanding to thesecond dimension as a result of the second dimension being greater thanthe third dimension of the interior of the c-channel groove.
 16. Themethod of installing of claim 15, further comprising coating thecoil-shaped element prior to the connecting step.
 17. The method ofinstalling of claim 15, further comprising reinforcing the materialbefore or after the connecting step to prevent ripping from thecoil-shaped element.
 18. The method of installing of claim 15, whereinthe force applied resiliently compresses the coil-shaped element. 19.The method of installing of claim 15, wherein the connecting stepconnects the coil-shaped element to the material by threading throughthe material.
 20. The method of installing of claim 15, furthercomprising extending a portion of the coil-shaped element outside of theaperture.
 21. The method of installing of claim 20, further comprisingremoving the flexible attachment from the c-channel groove by pulling onthe portion of the coil-shaped element that is extended outside of theaperture.
 22. The method of installing of claim 15, wherein the materialincludes an edge or flap, the method further comprising sealing at leasta portion of the coil-shaped element and material together with asealant along the edge or flap of the material.
 23. The method ofinstalling of claim 15, wherein navigating the biased coil-shapedelement into the aperture of the c-channel groove comprises navigatingthe biased coil-shaped element into the aperture of the c-channel groovebetween a first object attached to the c-channel groove and a secondobject attached to the c-channel groove, such that upon the restoring ofthe biased coil-shaped element toward the second dimension, the materialconnected to the coil-shaped element is attached to the c-channelbetween the first object and the second object.